Combination washer - drier

ABSTRACT

There are provided an outer tub suspended elastically in an enclosure, an inner tub for containing clothes supported rotatably within the outer tub, and a rotary impeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of the inner tub. The inner tub and/or the rotary impeller are driven by a motor. A drying blower delivers air into the inner tub, and a heater heats the air delivered by the blower unit. A controller controls operation of the motor, the drying blower, the heater, and the like, thereby controlling each process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying. In the hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the inner tub while also driving the drying blower to maintain delivery of air into the inner tub.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a combination washer-dryerhaving a process of drying washed clothes by delivering warm air into aninner tub containing the clothes.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] In a combination washer-dryer of the prior art, ahydro-extraction process and a drying process are accomplished in amanner as described hereinafter.

[0005] Hydro-extraction Process

[0006] After washing is completed, a drain valve is opened, and water inan inner tub containing clothes is drained.

[0007] Next, a clutch of a transmission mechanism is shifted to ahydro-extraction side, and a motor is connected to the inner tub. Themotor spins the inner tub, and extracts water in the clothes withcentrifugal force.

[0008] Drying Process

[0009] After the hydro-extraction process is completed, the clutch isshifted to a wash side to connect the motor with a rotary impellerprovided in a bottom portion of the inner tub for agitating the clothesand like objects being dried. Then the motor 8 swiftly rotates forwardand reverse directions, so as to remove clothes clinging on an innerwall of the inner tub off the wall. Warm air is delivered into the innertub, while the rotary impeller is kept rotating forwardly and reversely.Under this condition, projections for agitation provided on the rotaryimpeller catches and agitates the clothes.

[0010] Moist warm air containing water removed from the clothes is sentto a heat exchanger and cooled. As a result, condensation occurs, andthe moist warm air is dehumidified. Further, the dehumidified warm airis heated and delivered to the inner tub. Accordingly, the clothes andthe like objects to be dried within the inner tub 4 are dried bycirculation of the warm air.

[0011] As described, the combination washer-dryer of the prior art driesclothes by agitating the clothes forward and reversely with the rotaryimpeller while circulating warm air during the drying process. However,it produces uneven dryness, or takes a long drying time, since it lacksability of moving the clothes between upper position and lower positionwithin the inner tub.

[0012] Although it is desirable to increase a number of the forwardrotations as well as the reverse rotations of the rotary impeller inorder to shorten the drying time, the agitation tends to make theclothes entangle with each other, thereby increasing uneven dryness andwrinkles. Moreover, it increases damages to clothes due to friction withthe rotary impeller and among the clothes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A combination washer-dryer of the present invention is devised inconsideration of the above problems of the prior art, and its firstobject is to reduce drying time without increasing a number of forwardand reverse rotations of a rotary impeller, to reduce damages toclothes, and to decrease uneven dryness and wrinkles during a dryingprocess.

[0014] Furthermore, a second object is to improve a drying performanceby facilitating dispersion and evaporation of water contained in theclothes in the drying process, so as to reduce uneven dryness andwrinkles.

[0015] The combination washer-dryer of this invention is provided withan enclosure, in which an outer tub is suspended elastically. The outertub rotatably supports an inner tub for containing clothes, and a rotaryimpeller is held rotatably in an inner bottom portion of the inner tub.The inner tub and the rotary impeller are driven by a drive unit. Ablower unit delivers air into the inner tub, and the air delivered bythe blower unit is heated with a heating unit. A controller controlsoperation of the drive unit, the blower unit, the heating unit, and thelike, so as to carry out each process of washing, rinsing,hydro-extraction, and drying.

[0016] In the hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the innertub while also driving the blower unit to deliver air into the innertub.

[0017] Furthermore, the controller drives the blower unit and theheating unit at least during the drying process. The controller alsodrives the rotary impeller intermittently for a predetermined timeperiod while delivering warm air into the inner tub. It then executes aprocess of driving the inner tub for another predetermined time periodat least once thereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a combination washer-dryer of afirst exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the combination washer-dryerof the first exemplary embodiment of this invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction processof the combination washer-dryer of the first exemplary embodiment ofthis invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction processof a combination washer-dryer of a second exemplary embodiment of thisinvention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction processof a combination washer-dryer of a third exemplary embodiment of thisinvention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction processof a combination washer-dryer of a fourth exemplary embodiment of thisinvention; and

[0024]FIG. 7 is an operational flowchart of a drying process of acombination washer-dryer of a fifth exemplary embodiment of thisinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to accompanying figures.

[0026] First Exemplary Embodiment

[0027]FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a combination washer-dryer of afirst exemplary embodiment of this invention. There is provided an outertub 3, suspended elastically in an enclosure 1 with a plurality ofsuspensions 2. The suspensions 2 are so constructed as to absorbvibrations during a hydro-extraction process. An inner tub 4 forcontaining clothes and like objects to be dried is disposed rotatablywithin the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 spins around a wash/dry axle 5having a double-axle structure with a hollow center. A rotary impeller 6for agitating the clothes and the like objects to be dried is disposedrotatably on an inner bottom portion of the inner tub 4.

[0028] Numerous small holes (not shown in the figure) are provided in aninner peripheral wall of the inner tub 4, and a fluid balancer 7 isprovided on an upper part of it. The rotary impeller 6 has a slopedsurface 10 around its periphery so as to have generally a shape of pan.In a drying process, the objects being dried receive a centrifugal forcedue to rotation of the rotary impeller 6. The sloped surface in theshape of pan provides for a function of facilitating the clothes to beblown up easily. Further, the rotary impeller 6 is provided withprojections 11 formed on it for the purpose of agitation.

[0029] A motor 8 mounted on a bottom portion of the outer tub 3 isconnectable by means of a clutch 9 to the inner tub 4 or to the rotaryimpeller 6 through the wash/dry axle 5.

[0030] One end of a heat exchanger 12 for dehumidifying moist warm airis connected to a lower part of the outer tub 3 through acirculation-path switching valve 13 and an extensible lower bellows-likehose 14. And, the other end of it is connected to one end of a dryingblower 15.

[0031] The other end of the drying blower 15 is connected to a warm airsupply path 17 having a heater 16 defining a heating unit, andcommunicates to the inner tub 4 through an upper bellows-like hose 18.The drying blower 15 and the heater 16 constitute a warm air blowerunit.

[0032] The outer tub 3 is provided with an outer tub cover 19 forairtightly closing an upper side of the outer tub 3. The outer tub cover19 has a supply port 20 for the warm air from the extensible upperbellows-like hose 18. There is also provided on the outer tub cover 19with an inner lid 21 in a manner to be freely openable for taking in andout clothes to be washed.

[0033] An enclosure cover 22 for closing an upper part of the enclosure1 has an opening lid 23. A control unit 28 and a water supply valve 25for supplying water into the inner tub 4 are mounted on the enclosurecover 22. Furthermore, a drain valve 26 for draining water in the outertub 3 is positioned on a bottom portion of the outer tub 3. A coolingblower 27 is mounted on a side surface of the enclosure 1, and itdelivers air to cool the outer tub 3, the heat exchanger 12, and thelike located within the enclosure 1.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the combination washer-dryerof the first exemplary embodiment of this invention.

[0035] A controller 29 comprised of a microcomputer controls operationof the motor (drive unit) 8, the clutch 9, the circulation-pathswitching valve 13, the drying blower (blower unit) 15, the heater(heating unit) 16, the water supply valve 25, the drain valve 26, thecooling blower 27, and so on via a power switching unit 30. In otherwords, power supply to each of the motor 8, the clutch 9, thecirculation-path switching valve 13, the drying blower (blower unit) 15,the heater (heating unit) 16, the water supply valve 25, the drain valve26, and the cooling blower 27 is controlled independently via the powerswitching unit 30. Individual processes of washing, rinsing,hydro-extraction and drying are thus accomplished by a variety ofcombinations of controlling the above units.

[0036] A selection of operation program, a setting of operation startand temporary stop, and so on are set with an input setting unit 31. Thecontroller 29 displays a progress of the selected operation program, aremaining time of the process, and the like in a display unit 32, toinform the user.

[0037] A water level detector 33 detects a level of water in the innertub 4, and inputs an information of the detected water level to thecontroller 29. A memory 34 stores data necessary for the controller 29to execute its control functions.

[0038] A garments amount detector 35 detects an amount of clothes putinto the inner tub 4. In practice, the motor 8 is turned on to spin theinner tub 4 for a predetermined time with the clothes placed in theinner tub 4. The motor 8 is turned off thereafter, and the amount ofclothes is determined from a change in inertial speed of rotation of themotor 8 or the inner tub 4. The detected amount of the clothes isinputted to the controller 29.

[0039] The controller 29 starts with a hydro-extraction processautomatically before going into a drying process, even if the user setsa “drying operation program” for a sole purpose of drying clothes andany such objects to be dried. The hydro-extraction process isautomatically executed before going into the drying process, even whenthe hydro-extraction process is not programmed, that is, in the case theuser sets only the “drying operation program” for the sole purpose ofdrying clothes and any such objects to be dried. In the hydro-extractionprocess, the motor 8 drives the inner tub 4 while the drying blower 15is also in operation to deliver air into the inner tub 4.

[0040] In the foregoing configuration, a washing process, ahydro-extraction process, and a drying process operate in a manner whichwill be described hereinafter.

[0041] Washing Process

[0042] A user opens the opening lid 23 and the inner lid 21, and putsclothes, and detergent into the inner tub 4. When the user turns on apower supply switch 37, and a start switch (not show in the figure)located in the input setting unit 31, the controller 29 opens the watersupply valve 25 to supply water up to a predetermined level.

[0043] At the same time, the clutch 9 of the transmission mechanismconnects the motor 8 with the rotary impeller 6 through a washing axle.The motor 8 is started, and the rotary impeller 6 begins to rotate. As aresult, the clothes are caught by the projection 11 for agitationprovided on the rotary impeller 6, and pulled in toward a center area.In addition, the clothes located in a lower-center area of the inner tub4 are thrust upward to an upper area of the inner tub 4 by the newlydrawn clothes. Accordingly, the clothes in the inner tub 4 are agitatedby physical force and power of water current effected by the clothesthemselves and contacts with an inner wall of the inner tub 4 and therotary impeller 6.

[0044] Hydro-extraction Process

[0045] After the washing ends, the drain valve 26 is opened and water inthe inner tub 4 is drained.

[0046] The clutch 9 of the transmission mechanism is shifted to ahydro-extraction side, and the motor 8 is connected to the inner tub 4via a hydro-extraction axle. The motor 8 spins the inner tub 4 at highspeed. As a result, the centrifugal force extracts water from theclothes.

[0047] Drying Process

[0048] The clutch 9 is shifted to a wash side, and the motor 8 isconnected to the rotary impeller 6. Swift rotations in forward andreverse directions of the rotary impeller 6 remove clothes off an innerwall of the inner tub 4, as they stay clinging on the wall after thehydro-extraction process.

[0049] Next, the drain valve 26 is closed, and the circulation-pathswitching valve 13 is opened. The clothes are then agitated by beingpulled with the projections 11 for agitation on the rotary impeller 6,which keeps rotating forwardly and reversely. At the same time, the warmair blower unit consisting of the drying blower 15 and the heater 16delivers warm air through the warm air supply port 20.

[0050] The warm air blown into the inner tub 4 through the warm airsupply port 20 becomes moist warm air, after it evaporates water fromthe clothes. After coming out from the inner tub 4 to an inside of theouter tub 3, the moist warm air passes through the lower bellows-likehose 14, and reaches at the heat exchanger 12.

[0051] An external air introduced by the cooling blower 27 disposed on asidewall of the enclosure 1 cools the outer tub 3 and an outer wall ofthe heat exchanger 12. The moist warm air is thus cooled while it passesby an inner wall of the outer tub 3 and through an inside of the heatexchanger 12. This causes condensation, so as to dehumidify the moistwarm air when it returns to the drying blower 15. Circulation of thewarm air can dry the objects being dried in the inner tub 4 in themanner as described above.

[0052] Next, an operation of the hydro-extraction process will bedescribed in detail according to a flowchart of FIG. 3, when a“continuous wash-to-dry operation program”, which performs a series ofprocesses including washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and drying, isset with the input setting unit 31 at a beginning of the operation.

[0053] Step 41

[0054] Make determination as to whether a drying process is programmedafter the hydro-extraction process.

[0055] Proceed to step 42 if a drying process is programmed, or proceedto step 46 if not programmed.

[0056] Step 42

[0057] Turn on the drying blower 15 to deliver air into the inner tub 4.Shift mechanical transmission to a hydro-extraction side so as toconnect the motor 8 and the inner tub 4 with the clutch 9, while the airis kept delivered. Rotate the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a highhydro-extraction speed, to begin the hydro-extraction.

[0058] Step 43

[0059] Proceed to step 44 when hydro-extraction time (t43) exceeds apredetermined time (T43).

[0060] Step 44

[0061] Turn off the drying blower 15 to stop delivery of air into theinner tub 4.

[0062] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with theclutch 9 to stop rotation of the motor 8 and the inner tub 4, thenproceed to the drying process.

[0063] Step 46

[0064] Shift the mechanical transmission to the hydro-extraction sidewith the clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8 and the inner tub 4.Rotate the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extractionspeed, to begin the hydro-extraction.

[0065] Step 47

[0066] Proceed to step 48 when hydro-extraction time (t47) exceeds apredetermined time (T47).

[0067] Step 48

[0068] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with theclutch 9. Stop the motor 8 and the inner tub 4 to complete thehydro-extraction process.

[0069] What has been described above is the operation of thehydro-extraction process, when the “continuous wash-to-dry operationprogram” is set with the input setting unit 31 at the start of theoperation.

[0070] If a “dry operation program” is set with the input setting unit31 at the start of the operation, the processes from step 41 to step 44in FIG. 3 are performed first, followed to execute the drying process.

[0071] According to the present exemplary embodiment, as described, thedrying blower 15 is activated to deliver air into the inner tub 4, whilethe inner tub 4 is spun at the high hydro-extraction speed during thehydro-extraction process. Delivery of the air facilitates dispersion andextraction of water contained in the clothes, thereby improvingperformance of the hydro-extraction. As a result, there provides for thepossibility of shortening drying time without increasing a number offorward and reverse rotations of the rotary impeller 6 in the subsequentdrying process, so as to reduce damages to the clothes due to frictionwith the rotary impeller 6 as well as among the clothes themselves.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the highhydro-extraction speed without delivering air into the inner tub 4, whenthe drying process is not programmed after the hydro-extraction process.However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at the high speed while deliveringair into the inner tub 4, even if the drying process is not programmed.Delivering the air in this way can disperse water contained in theclothes, improve performance of the hydro-extraction, and extract waterwith a finish of fine appearance.

[0073] Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0074] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has aconfiguration analogous to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Itssectional view is identical to what is shown in FIG. 1. In addition, acircuit block is also identical to the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process automaticallybefore going into a drying process, in the same manner as the firstexemplary embodiment, when a “drying operation program” is set. In thisexemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15 and a heater 16 are activatedduring the hydro-extraction process, so that an inner tub 4 is driven bya motor 8 while maintaining delivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.

[0076] Next, operation of the hydro-extraction process will be describedaccording to a flowchart of FIG. 4, when a “continuous wash-to-dryoperation program” is set with an input setting unit 31.

[0077] Step 51

[0078] Make determination as to whether a drying process is programmedafter the hydro-extraction process.

[0079] Proceed to step 52 if a drying process is programmed, or proceedto step 46 if not programmed.

[0080] Step 52

[0081] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver warmair into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to ahydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8 andthe inner tub 4, while the warm air is kept delivered. Rotate the motor8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed. This beginsthe hydro-extraction.

[0082] Step 53

[0083] Proceed to step 54 when hydro-extraction time (t53) exceeds apredetermined time (T53).

[0084] Step 54

[0085] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop thedelivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.

[0086] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the clutch9. This stops rotation of the motor 8 and the inner tub 4, and proceedto the drying process.

[0087] Steps 46 through 48

[0088] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are sameas the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0089] What has been described above is the operation of thehydro-extraction process, when the “continuous wash-to-dry operationprogram” is set with the input setting unit 31 at the start of theoperation.

[0090] If a “dry operation program” is programmed with the input settingunit 31 at the start of the operation, the processes of steps 51, 52, 53and 54 of FIG. 4 are performed, followed by the operation of a dryingprocess.

[0091] According to the present exemplary embodiment, as described, theinner tub 4 is spun at the high hydro-extraction speed, while the dryingblower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver warm air into theinner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process. The warm airfacilitates dispersion and evaporation of water contained in theclothes. It further improves performance of the hydro-extraction, sincethe warm air circulates easily throughout the entire clothes. As aresult, there provides for the possibility of shortening a drying timewithout increasing a number of forward and reverse rotations of therotary impeller 6 in the subsequent drying process, so as to reducedamages to the clothes due to friction with the rotary impeller as wellas among the clothes themselves. It also reduces uneven dryness andwrinkles due to the agitation.

[0092] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the highhydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into the inner tub 4,when the drying process is not programmed after the hydro-extractionprocess. However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at the high speed whiledelivering the warm air into the inner tub 4, even if the drying processis not programmed. Delivering warm air in this way can disperse andevaporate water contained in the clothes, improve performance of thehydro-extraction, and remove water with a finish of fine appearance.

[0093] Third Exemplary Embodiment

[0094] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has aconfiguration analogous to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Itssectional view is identical to what is shown in FIG. 1. In addition, acircuit block is also identical to the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0095] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process automaticallybefore going into a drying process, in the same manner as the firstexemplary embodiment, when a “drying operation program” is set. In thisexemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15 and a heater 16 are activatedduring the hydro-extraction process, to maintain delivery of warm airinto an inner tub 4, while the motor 8 makes the inner tub 4 repeatspinning and a pause.

[0096] Next, operation of the hydro-extraction process will be describedaccording to a flowchart of FIG. 5, when a “continuous wash-to-dryoperation program” is set with an input setting unit 31.

[0097] Step 61

[0098] Make determination as to whether a drying process is programmedafter the hydro-extraction process.

[0099] Proceed to step 62 if a drying process is programmed, or proceedto step 46 if not programmed.

[0100] Step 62

[0101] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver warmair into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to ahydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8 andthe inner tub 4, while warm air is kept delivered. Rotate the motor 8 tospin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed. This begins thehydro-extraction.

[0102] Step 63

[0103] Proceed to step 64 when hydro-extraction time (t63) exceeds apredetermined time (T63).

[0104] Steps 64 and 65

[0105] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the inner tub 4. Proceed to step 66when an elapsed time (t65) after the motor 8 is turned off exceeds apredetermined time (T65).

[0106] Steps 66 and 67

[0107] Turn on the motor 8 in step 66, to spin the inner tub 4. Thiscontinues operation of the hydro-extraction.

[0108] Proceed to step 51 when a number of operations (n) repeated forstep 66 becomes equal to a predetermined number (n1). Or, return to step63, if the number of operations is less than n1.

[0109] Step 68

[0110] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop thedelivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.

[0111] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the clutch9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of the inner tub 4, thenproceed to the subsequent drying process.

[0112] Steps 46 through 48

[0113] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are sameas the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0114] What has been described above is the operation of thehydro-extraction process, when the “continuous wash-to-dry operationprogram” is set with the input setting unit 31 at the start of theoperation.

[0115] If a “dry operation program” is set with the input setting unit31 at the start of the operation, the processes of steps 61 through 68of FIG. 5 are performed, followed thereafter by the operation of adrying process.

[0116] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described, thedrying blower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver warm airinto the inner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process. Since theinner tub 4 repeats spinning and a pause alternately while receivingblown air, the air either cool or warm can facilitate dispersion andevaporation of water contained in the clothes, thereby improvingperformance of the hydro-extraction. Furthermore, delivery of the warmair prolongs duration for the warm air to stay circulating throughoutthe entire clothes, thereby rising a drying temperature and furtherimproving performance of the hydro-extraction.

[0117] With the hydro-extraction as described above, the drying time canbe shortened in the succeeding drying process without increasing anumber of forward and reverse rotations of the rotary impeller 6. It cantherefore reduce damages to the clothes due to friction with the rotaryimpeller 6 as well as among the clothes themselves. It can also reduceuneven dryness and wrinkles due to the agitation.

[0118] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is- spun at thehigh hydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into the innertub 4, when the drying process is not programmed as a succeedingprocess. However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at the high speed whiledelivering warm air into the inner tub 4, even if the drying process isnot programmed. Delivering the warm air in this way can disperse andevaporate water contained in the clothes, so as to improve performanceof the hydro-extraction. It can also remove water with a finish of fineappearance.

[0119] Moreover, although both the drying blower 15 and the heater 16are activated to deliver warm air into the inner tub 4 during thehydro-extraction process in this exemplary embodiment, only the dryingblower 15 may be activated.

[0120] Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

[0121] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has aconfiguration analogous to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Itssectional view is identical to what is shown in FIG. 1. In addition, acircuit block is also identical to the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0122] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process automaticallybefore going into a drying process, in the same manner as the firstexemplary embodiment, when a “drying operation program” is set. In thisexemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15 and a heater 16 are operatedduring the hydro-extraction process, to maintain delivery of warm airinto an inner tub 4. The motor 8 makes the inner tub 4 repeat spinningand a pause alternately while delivering the warm air. A garmentuntangling process is then carried out by driving the rotary impeller 6,in order to agitate clothes while the inner tub 4 is at a standstill.

[0123] Operation of the hydro-extraction process will be describedaccording to a flowchart of FIG. 6, when a “continuous wash-to-dryoperation program”, which performs a series of processes includingwashing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying successively, isprogrammed with an input setting unit 31.

[0124] Step 71

[0125] Make determination as to whether a drying process is programmedafter the hydro-extraction process.

[0126] Proceed to step 72 if a drying process is programmed, or proceedto step 46 if not programmed.

[0127] Step 72

[0128] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver warmair into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to ahydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8 andthe inner tub 4, while air is kept delivered. Rotate the motor 8 so asto spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed. This beginsthe hydro-extraction.

[0129] Step 73

[0130] Proceed to step 74 when hydro-extraction time (t73) exceeds apredetermined time (T73).

[0131] Steps 74 and 75

[0132] In step 74, return the mechanical transmission to a wash sidewith the clutch 9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of the innertub 4.

[0133] Proceed to step 76 when an elapsed time (t75) after the motor 8is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T75).

[0134] Step 76

[0135] Rotate the rotary impeller 6 intermittently for a predeterminedperiod of time to start the garment untangling process in which clothesare agitated.

[0136] Step 77

[0137] Proceed to step 78 when the garment untangling process iscompleted.

[0138] Steps 78 and 79

[0139] Shift the mechanical transmission to the hydro-extraction sidewith the clutch 9, and turn on the motor 8, to spin the inner tub 4.

[0140] Proceed to step 80 when a number of operations (n) repeated forstep 78 becomes equal to a predetermined number (n2). Or, return to step73, if the number of operations is less than n2.

[0141] Step 80

[0142] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop thedelivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.

[0143] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with theclutch 9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of the inner tub 4, thenproceed to the subsequent drying process.

[0144] Steps 46 through 48

[0145] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are sameas the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0146] What has been described above is the operation of thehydro-extraction process, when the “continuous wash-to-dry operationprogram” is set with the input setting unit 31 at the start of theoperation.

[0147] If a “dry operation program” is set with the input setting unit31 at the start of the operation, the processes of the steps 71 through80 of FIG. 6 are performed, followed thereafter by an operation of thedrying process.

[0148] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described, thedrying blower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver warm airinto the inner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process. The inner tub4 repeats spinning and a pause alternately while receiving the blownair. Because of the garment untangling process, which is carried out bydriving the rotary impeller 6 to agitate clothes while the inner tub 4is at a standstill, the clothes move their positions, thereby lesseningunevenness of water contained in the clothes. This helps the air, eithercool or warm, facilitate uniform dispersion and evaporation of thewater, so as to improve performance of the hydro-extraction. Inaddition, the garment untangling process helps the warm air circulatethroughout the entire clothes, since the inner tub 4 spins at the highspeed while the clothes move their positions in a manner to receive thewarm air in different portions. Accordingly, this can further improveperformance of the hydro-extraction.

[0149] With the hydro-extraction as described above, the drying time canbe shortened in the succeeding drying process without increasing anumber of forward and reverse rotations of the rotary impeller 6. It canalso reduce damages to the clothes due to friction with the rotaryimpeller 6 as well as among the clothes themselves. Moreover, it reducesuneven dryness and wrinkles due to the agitation. Furthermore, since itdoes not spin the inner tub for a long duration of time at the highspeed, it reduces the clothes to cling on an inner wall of the inner tub4, so as to reduce uneven dryness and wrinkles.

[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the highhydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into the inner tub 4,when the drying process is not programmed as a succeeding process.However, the inner tub 4 may be rotated at the high speed whiledelivering warm air into the inner tub 4, even if the drying process isnot programmed. Delivering the warm air in this way during thehydro-extraction process can disperse and evaporate water contained inthe clothes, so as to improve performance of the hydro-extraction, andto remove the water with a finish of fine appearance.

[0151] Moreover, although both the drying blower 15 and the heater 16are activated to deliver warm air into the inner tub 4 during thehydro-extraction process in this exemplary embodiment, only the dryingblower 15 may be activated to deliver cool air into the inner tub 4.

[0152] Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

[0153] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has aconfiguration analogous to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Itssectional view is identical to what is shown in FIG. 1. In addition, acircuit block is also identical to the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0154] In a drying process, a controller 29 activates a drying blower 15and a heater 16, and repeats “N” times, a series of processes thatconsist of driving an inner tub 4 for a predetermined time period afterdriving a rotary impeller 6 intermittently for another predeterminedtime period while delivering warm air into the inner tub 4.

[0155] Operation of the drying process in this exemplary embodiment willbe described according to a flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0156] Step 91

[0157] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver warmair into the inner tub 4.

[0158] Steps 92 and 93

[0159] Turn on a motor 8 (in a forward direction) to rotate the rotaryimpeller 6 in the forward direction.

[0160] Proceed to step 94 when an elapsed time (t93) after the motor 8is turned on exceeds a predetermined time (T93).

[0161] Steps 94 and 95

[0162] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the rotary impeller 6.

[0163] Proceed to step 96 when an elapsed time (t95) after the motor 8is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T95).

[0164] Steps 96 and 97

[0165] Turn on the motor 8 (in a reverse direction) to rotate the rotaryimpeller 6 in the reverse direction.

[0166] Proceed to step 98 when an elapsed time (t97) after the motor 8is turned on exceeds a predetermined time (T97).

[0167] Steps 98 and 99

[0168] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the rotary impeller 6.

[0169] Proceed to step 100 when an elapsed time (t99) after the motor 8is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T99).

[0170] Step 100

[0171] Proceed to step 101 when an elapsed time (t100) after the startof the drying process exceeds a predetermined time (T100). Or, return tostep 92 if not.

[0172] Steps 101 and 102

[0173] Shift the mechanical transmission to a hydro-extraction side witha clutch 9, and turn on the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a highhydro-extraction speed.

[0174] Proceed to step 103 when a high-speed spinning time (t102) of theinner tub 4 exceeds a predetermined time (T102).

[0175] Step 103

[0176] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the clutch9, and turn off the motor 8. This stops the inner tub 4.

[0177] Step 104

[0178] Return to step 92 if a number of operations (n) of the step 103is less than “N”. Or, proceed to step 105, when operation of the step103 is repeated “N” number of times.

[0179] Steps 105 through 112

[0180] Each of steps 105 through 112 respectively corresponds with thesteps 92 through 99. Details of these steps will be skipped, since theiroperations are analogous to the corresponding steps.

[0181] Step 113

[0182] Proceed to step 114 when an elapsed time (t100) after anexecution of the step 105 exceeds a predetermined time (T100). Or,return to step 105 if not.

[0183] Step 114

[0184] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16.

[0185] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described, aseries of processes comprising the steps of circulating warm air fordrying, agitating the rotary impeller 6 for a third predetermined time,and spinning the inner tub 4 at the high speed, for the “N” number oftimes. In other words, the inner tub 4 is spun at the high speed whiledelivering warm air during the drying process, only after the agitationof the rotary impeller 6 warms up the clothes. This facilitatesdispersion and evaporation of the water contained in the clothes widely,thereby improving performance of the drying process.

[0186] In addition, since the inner tub 4 is spun at the high speedwhile changing portions of the clothes where the warm air is blown at,by way of moving the clothes with agitation of the rotary impeller 6,the warm air can circulate throughout the clothes. This further improvesperformance of the drying process. Moreover, since the agitation of therotary impeller 6 prevents the clothes from clinging on an inner wall ofthe inner tub 4, it reduces uneven dryness and wrinkles.

[0187] In this exemplary embodiment, although the series of processescomprising the steps of delivering warm air into the inner tub 4,driving the rotary impeller 6 intermittently for the predetermined time,and spinning the inner tub 4 at the high speed, for the “N” number oftimes, this series of the processes may be carried out only once (i.e.N=1).

[0188] A hydro-extraction process preceding the drying process of thisexemplary embodiment may be any one of the hydro-extraction processesdescribed in the foregoing first through fourth exemplary embodiments.Or, it may be an ordinary hydro-extraction process in which the innertub 4 is spun at a high hydro-extraction speed.

[0189] Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

[0190] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has aconfiguration analogous to that of the first exemplary embodiment. Itssectional view is identical to what is shown in FIG. 1. In addition, acircuit block is also identical to the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0191] In any of the hydro-extraction processes or the drying processdescribed in the foregoing first through fifth exemplary embodiments, acontroller 29 changes a duration of high-speed spinning or a spinningspeed of the inner tub 4 according to an amount of loaded clothesdetected by a garments amount detector 35. In other words, it shortensthe time of high-speed spinning, or reduces the spinning speed, ifclothes are light. It extends the time of high-speed spinning, or setsthe spinning speed faster, if the clothes are heavy.

[0192] Accordingly, this can reduce likelihood of the clothes to clingon an inner wall of the inner tub 4, and reduce uneven dryness andwrinkles, when amount of the clothes is light. It can also improveperformance of the hydro-extraction, and reduce a drying time whenamount of the clothes is heavy.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination washer-dryer comprising: an outertub suspended elastically within an enclosure; an inner tub forcontaining clothes, supported rotatably within said outer tub; a rotaryimpeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of said inner tub; adrive unit for driving said inner tub and said rotary impeller; a blowerunit for delivering air into said inner tub; a heating unit for heatingthe air delivered by said blower unit; and a controller for controllingoperation of said drive unit, said blower unit and said heating unit, soas to control each process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction anddrying, said controller activating said blower unit to deliver air intosaid inner tub, and also driving said inner tub during thehydro-extraction process.
 2. The combination washer-dryer according toclaim 1 , wherein said controller activates said heating unit to deliverwarm air into said inner tub during said hydro-extraction process. 3.The combination washer-dryer according to claim 1 , wherein saidcontroller repeats driving said inner tub intermittently during saidhydro-extraction process.
 4. The combination washer-dryer according toclaim 3 , wherein said controller drives said rotary impellerintermittently while spinning of said inner tub is suspended during saidhydro-extraction process.
 5. The combination washer-dryer according toclaim 2 , wherein said controller repeats driving said inner tubintermittently during said hydro-extraction process.
 6. The combinationwasher-dryer according to claim 5 , wherein said controller drives saidrotary impeller intermittently while spinning of said inner tub issuspended during said hydro-extraction process.
 7. A combinationwasher-dryer comprising: an outer tub suspended elastically within anenclosure; an inner tub for containing clothes, supported rotatablywithin said outer tub; a rotary impeller held rotatably on an innerbottom portion of said inner tub; a drive unit for driving said innertub and said rotary impeller; a blower unit for delivering air into saidinner tub; a heating unit for heating the air delivered by said blowerunit; and a controller for controlling operation of said drive unit,said blower unit and said heating unit, so as to control each process ofwashing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and drying, wherein said controlleractivates said blower unit and said heating unit to deliver warm airinto said inner tub, and also intermittently drives said rotary impellerand said inner tub alternatively at least during said hydro-extractionprocess.
 8. The combination washer-dryer according to any one of claim 1through claim 7 , further comprising a garments amount detector fordetecting an amount of clothes in said inner tub, wherein saidcontroller changes a driving duration or a spinning speed of said innertub according to amount of clothes detected by said garments amountdetector.